Establishment

A fixed place of business devoted to the care and preparation of human remains, or any place where one or more persons, either as sole owner, in partnership, or through corporate status, are engaged or represent themselves to be engaged in the funeral business.

Funeral establishments must have employees licensed to practice funeral directing and/or embalming in the State of Tennessee.

Requirements

Licensing Requirements

1. Inspection by Regulatory Board Field Representative

2. Corporation/LLC:

a. List of officers, titles, addresses, and registered agent

b. Copy of the organization from the Secretary of State

3. Letter from Zoning Authority stating that the property is specifically zoned for a funeral establishment or crematory. Stating that the property is commercially zoned or is zoned B-1 or other codes will not be accepted.

4. Letter from the appropriate authority on official stationery stating the establishment has adequate parking space available. If there are no parking requirements, the letter must state that there are no parking requirements.

5. Letter from the appropriate authority on official stationery verifying that the establishment is connected to the sewer system.

a. If the establishment is on a septic tank system, attach a letter from the local county health department indicating that the septic system is in proper working order and for the intended use.

6. If the establishment does not have a preparation/embalming room, submit a letter from the licensed funeral establishment manager, on the letterhead and with a signature, stating the location where preparation of dead human remains will be performed.

7. List of all employees with:

- Names and home addresses

- Indication of licensed or non-licensed with license numbers for funeral directors and/or embalmers

- Indication of full-time or part-time employees

8. General Price List, Casket Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List, and Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected Contract
 

Application & Fees

Complete the “Initial Establishment” application online at core.tn.gov.  The fee for the initial application is $575.

Must complete for each establishment application.
 

Renewal Information

Renewals are done online through your CORE account. The renewal fee is $575.

The grace period for your license is 90 days. You are charged a late fee of $200 if renewing within the grace period. After the grace period, you must submit a reinstatement request to funeral.cemetery.board@tn.gov.